How long do semi-permanent eyebrows last?

The short answer

People often quote anywhere from around one to three years, and for some it is less. That is a wide range because the pigment sits in skin that is constantly renewing itself, and every person's skin does that at a different pace. Think of it as a gradual softening, not an expiry date.

Does the technique make a difference?

It can. These are general tendencies rather than promises:

• Microblading: fine strokes in the upper layers of the skin. Many people find it is the quickest of the techniques to soften, which is why microblading is often described as lasting towards the shorter end of the range.
• Powder brows and ombré brows: built from dense shading, and often described as holding their colour for longer than hair strokes.
• Combination brows: the strokes and the shading can fade at different rates, so the balance of the design can shift over time.

What affects how long yours lasts

• Your skin type. Oilier skin and skin that renews quickly tend to let pigment fade sooner, and fine strokes can blur more on oily skin.
• Sun exposure. UV light fades pigment, just as it fades many dyes. Brows that see a lot of sun usually soften faster.
• Skincare. Products designed to speed up skin renewal, such as exfoliating acids and retinoids, may fade brow pigment faster if they are used on the brow area.
• Pigment shade. Some shades and pigment types hold better than others, and lighter shades often soften sooner.
• How well it heals. Following your aftercare instructions gives the pigment the best chance to settle properly.
• The work itself. Technique, depth and design all play a part, which is another reason to choose a well-trained artist.

What fading actually looks like

Fading is rarely sudden. Brows typically look a little lighter and softer first, and fine detail such as individual strokes becomes less crisp. The tone can also drift slightly as the pigment lightens, so brows may look a touch cooler or warmer than they did when they were fresh. If you've ever seen a favourite top fade in the wash, it's a similar slow change.

When people book a refresh

A follow-up appointment after the first session has healed is common, to refine the result. After that, a colour refresh is usually booked when the brows have softened to the point where the owner would like them restored, and the timing is personal. Some people refresh when they notice the colour dipping, others wait until it has mostly gone. How refreshes will work at Westhoughton Brows will be confirmed before appointments open.

Helping your brows last

• Follow the aftercare instructions you are given for your own treatment.
• Once healed, protect your brows from strong sun in the same way you protect the rest of your face.
• Ask your artist before using strong exfoliating or skin-renewing products near the brows.
• Choose an artist whose healed work you have seen, not only fresh results.

For the wider picture, see our guide to semi-permanent eyebrows or the FAQ.